In a city where there’s a coffee shop on almost every corner, it’s sometimes hard to find the really good stuff, and not just the latest roasting trend that will soon be forgotten. Sure, you can just stop at the Starbucks on your way to work (we’ve all been there), or the subway coffee shop (often not famous) or the Tim Hortons coffee shop (blasphemy).
But if you’re really looking for a good cup of coffee, here are 21 places to go, in no particular order:
1. Pastel Rita
In addition to its delicious Wes Anderson-style design, this little café is attached to Merci à Vous Tattoo. A little bite, a little cup, a tattoo… a perfect day!
Where: 5761 boul. St-Laurent, Montreal
2. Lili & Oli
With a branch in Little Burgundy and another in Verdun, it’s a South-West classic. A perfect place to work and chat in a space that’s both uncluttered and warm, with a delicious cup of coffee.
Where: 2713 Notre-Dame West and 4554 Wellington, Montreal
3. Café Myriade
Café Myriade, where you go not just for the coffee but also for the unique vibe of each of its branches (1000 Ste-Catherine is a must). A perfect place for people-watching, working and socializing.
Where: several branches in Montreal
4. Crew Collective & Café
Unquestionably one of Montreal’s most impressive cafés! A collective workspace, café and restaurant, the Crew Collective & Café is the perfect place to work and daydream in one of the Old Port’s most beautiful buildings, the former Royal Bank of Canada.
Where: 360 Saint-Jacques Street, Montreal
5. Shaughnessy Café
Small, charming semi-basement space downtown that is very popular with Concordia students. A perfect place to grab a bite to eat, study or enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.
Where: 1455 Lambert-Closse Street, Montreal
6. Pikkolo Espresso Bar
A favorite haunt of university students, the Pikkolo Espresso Bar is a very pretty café offering miniature lattes, among other things, and an ideal place to take a break, work or simply watch the people stroll by.
Where: 3418B, avenue du Parc, Montréal
7. Café Saint-Henri
One of Montreal’s classics, it has 7 branches across the city. The first café opened its doors in (you guessed it) Saint-Henri. It’s worth a visit for its large windows, church pews and, of course, the delicious homemade microbrewed coffee.
Where: le café original, 3632 Notre-Dame St. W, Montreal (6 other branches)
8. SoLIT Café
A superb café in the heart of downtown, SoLIT offers an urban oasis with a ceiling adorned with oranges and lights that create a warm and unique atmosphere all year round. Don’t miss its menu of fresh, light dishes, perfect for lunchtime.
Where: 2030 Mansfield Street, Montreal
9. Café Larue & Fils
Noisy, warm and the perfect place to meet friends, Larue & Fils has three branches offering coffee, pastries and conversation. It’s also a great place to work, if you like a family atmosphere!
Where: several branches
10. The Mist In My Glasses
A small café and tea room offering tea service from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., it’s another cute, family-friendly place to spend a lazy afternoon with scones and good company!
Where: 378 Saint-Zotique Street East, Montreal, QC, H2S 1L7.
11. 49th Parallel
Originally from Vancouver, the 49th Parallel is a micro-torrefaction burner that produces delicious, long-lasting coffee. This café is worth a stop for its large windows, mid-century decor and Pop Art on the walls.
Where: 488 McGill Street, Montreal
12. Café Olimpico
A Mile End establishment since 1970, Café Olimpico has several branches and a fanbase in every neighborhood. A blend of Montreal history, café-sport, modest, delicious, classic, Café Olimpico is a must in Montreal.
Where: 124 rue St-Viateur W, Montreal (and other branches)
13. Tommy Café
One of Montreal’s most beautiful cafés, it’s a perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat in a very Instagram-like setting that makes us want to catalog every moment. Come to the Old Port to experience it for yourself!
Where: 200 Notre-Dame Street W, Montreal (and 2 other branches)
14. Café Parvis
More than just a café, this bistro also offers an appetizer menu, and it’s a singular, coquettish, beautiful space in the heart of Montreal. When you’re looking for a neighborhood café downtown, this is the place to go.
Where: 433 Mayor Street, Montreal
15. Café de la Maison Ronde
In addition to supporting Montreal’s Aboriginal community and people experiencing homelessness, the Café de la Maison ronde offers superb coffee and food on a small terrace in Cabot Square. Visit Montreal’s only Native café!
Where: 2330 Saint-Catherine St. W, Montreal
16. Helicopter
Did you know that Hélicoptère also has a café? Located in Hochelaga, Hélico is the ideal stop in the area for coffee and delicacies. Its friendly neighborhood atmosphere and incredible menu are well worth the detour!
Where: 2009 avenue de la Salle, Montréal, QC H1V 2K6
17. Café Orr
This Rosemont café-cinema has charm! There are also free film screenings in the Mezzanine at 2pm and 8pm daily. Café Orr’s friendly, creative and warm atmosphere is well worth a visit.
Where: 5368 avenue Papineau, Montreal, QC, H2H 1W2.
18. Rainy season
This Villeray café offers good coffee in a clean-lined decor and a perfect space to relax and have a good time in the neighborhood! What’s more, the garage on Rue Henri-Julien offers vegan ice cream during the summer season. What more could you ask for?
Where: 301 Guizot Street East, Montreal
19. Café Livia
This delicious café is located right in the heart of downtown. Ryu’s creation, It offers a matcha bar and a healthy menu to please all tastes, in a very zen and very Instagram decor.
Where: 1468 Peel Street, Montreal
20. September Café
This Little Burgundy café offers a bright, slightly SoCal, uncluttered space and a menu to please every taste. Its bone broth is particularly delicious on cold days. What’s more, the café organizes evening musical performances that introduce you to new local artists.
Where: 2475 Notre-Dame O, Montreal
21. Yes But No
This iconic Villeray café is the ideal place to work, chat with friends and even have a drink! As her Instagram account puts it, “like a grandmother pinching your cheek”.
Where: 72 rue Jarry E, Montréal, QC, H2P 1T.